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Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

Empire, Michigan

Details

Distance

0.26 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jon Mattrisch

Located along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this lookout towers over Lake Michigan and provides sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding lakeshore and peninsula.

After parking in the lot, head along the paved path to the overlook. Once the path ends, the sand of the dunes takes over and leads you up a slight incline to the overlook. From here, you'll see the massive dune that leads down to the shoreline below, some 500ft down.

You can head down (carefully!) and climb back up, but do know that the climb is very strenuous and could take hours depending on physical condition and ability. Located to the north of the overlook is a wood platform overlook which provides views of the dunes to the north.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Lake
Scenic

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Nearby

Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Hike to Big Glen Lookout

Hike the Ghost Forest Trail and the Dunes of Glen Haven

Hike the Sleeping Bear Point Trail

Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail